According to Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, the MRRV has a length of 94 meters, a maximum speed of more than 24 knots and a range of more than 4,000 nautical miles. The MRRV was built based on the Japanese Coast Guard’s Kunigami-class (also known as Kunisaki-class) patrol vessels, so the two are very similar in appearance.
But, while the Kunigami-class is equipped with a water cannon and JM61-RFS 20mm Vulcan (Bushmaster II 30mm chain gun from the 13th ship in class), the MRRV is only equipped with three water cannons (one at the bow of the ship and one on each side above the bridge). However, the helicopter’s operational capability is enhanced over the Kunigami-class, with the addition of a helicopter hangar. The Japanese Coast Guard patrol vessel doesn’t have a hangar but can supply fuel and electric power to a helicopter on board.
Interestingly, the image of the MRRV show space between the water cannons on the bow of the ship and the bridge, and it may be possible that the ship will have weapons on board in the future. In fact, the Kunigami-class is equipped with the JM61-RFS (or Bushmaster II) in this space.
Two MRRVs are under construction at the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s Shimonoseki Shipyard (Yamaguchi Prefecture) and are scheduled to be delivered to the PCG in 2022.
